In filtration systems, the goal is simple: remove unwanted particles. But achieving that goal with precision depends on understanding the process at both ends—what’s going in, and what’s coming out. Particle Technology Labs works with customers to evaluate particulate challenges during new filtration system design, and investigate performance issues in established processes through targeted analytical testing.
Feed → Filtration System → Filtrate
To illustrate, imagine a simple filtration model:
As shown in the diagram above, a filtration process typically begins with the feed—raw material that may contain a mix of particles of different sizes and shapes. That feed passes through the filtration system, which is designed to remove unwanted particulates, resulting in a cleaner output known as the filtrate.
PTL provides analytical support at both ends of this process, characterizing the particle profile of the incoming feed and confirming the particle load of the resulting filtrate. This type of testing helps identify system inefficiencies, evaluate filter performance, and support compliance.
Characterizing the Feed: It All Starts Here
Effective filter design begins with knowing what you’re trying to remove. That starts with analyzing the raw input—the feedstock—to identify particle size distribution, and concentration before it enters the filter.
Liquid Systems
Particle Technology Labs offers several techniques to characterize the feed:
- Single Particle Optical Sensing (SPOS) is ideal to help characterize particle size and concentration.
- Laser Diffraction (LD) measures size distribution across a wide range, though it does not provide particle counts.
- Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) is recommended for nanoparticles in aqueous systems, offering insight into concentration and sizing at the nanoscale.
This front-end analysis helps inform filter selection, guide system design, and catch potential issues before they impact downstream results.
Air/Environmental Monitoring
We also work with clients to evaluate airborne or environmental emissions, applying similar principles with different tools. For example, PTL has decades of expertise in PM10 and PM2.5 testing. See our earlier post on this topic: Our Roots as Experts in PM10 and PM2.5 Testing to learn more.
Mystery Contaminants
When unknown contaminants appear in the feed? Techniques like Raman spectroscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) can help identify mystery particles that might otherwise go unresolved. While PTL is your go-to place for particle testing, chemical analyses of dissolved solutes are not part of our service offering at this time.
Assessing the Filtration System
While testing entire filtration systems is outside of our service offering, in cases where the filtration media itself is under review, PTL offers support:
- For membrane-style filters (flat or hollow), Capillary Flow Porometry (CFP) provides through-pore size distribution, including the bubble point that may signal failure risks.
- For packed columns, we can assess density, specific surface area, pore size distribution, and %porosity of the column packing material using a variety of physical measurement techniques.
- If coatings or treatments are involved, PTL may be able to confirm them—e.g., EDS for metal coatings or ammonia TPD for acid sites.
- Finally, for systems involving sieves, we maintain a wide variety of sieve sizes for lab-scale evaluation and analysis. Learn more in our blog on The Importance of Sieves in the Modern Particle Characterization Lab.
Measuring the Filtrate: Did Your Filter Work?
Once material passes through the filter, the next question is: Did the system perform as expected?
PTL can analyze the filtrate to verify particle removal effectiveness, thereby supporting compliance with industry standards.
Depending on the filtration method and what you’re looking for, many of the same techniques—SPOS, and NTA—can be applied to the filtrate to confirm reductions in particle concentration at the size range of interest.
When “Clean” is Critical, Data Matters
Troubleshooting mystery particles. Evaluating membrane filters. Characterizing powders that clog a mesh.
At PTL, we provide consultative testing support that goes beyond the numbers. Our team collaborates with clients to choose the right techniques for their specific goals—because in filtration, what you remove is just as important as what remains.
From manufacturing to water reclamation, filtration challenges come in many forms. PTL supports clients across a wide range of industries, including agricultural, environmental and pharmaceutical—anywhere particle control is essential to product quality, equipment reliability, or regulatory compliance.
Have a filtration challenge? Reach out to Particle Technology Labs for tailored support.
By Chorthip “Chip” Peeraphatdit, Particle Characterization Chemist IV and Team Leader.
